Why GPs should vote Conservative
Dr Luke Evans argues that only the Conservatives will ensure the NHS budget is sustainable
If you have a collapsed patient, what is the first thing you do? ABCDE. You make the patient stable, logically solving each problem. Yet this is just the start; there is still a long road to recovery and returning the patient to full health.
The NHS is no different. A, B and C are all being achieved with the economy now beating strongly and supporting every organ. A change in approach risks compromising the very ‘cardiac’ output keeping the economy alive.
The NHS is vital and its budget needs to be protected at times of stress. Under this Government the budget has been ring-fenced, and under a future Conservative government will be ring-fenced again. The recent strain on the system has seen an additional £2bn provided for the frontline from April, and just a few weeks ago, £1.25bn extra was allocated to improve community and mental health services.
The Conservatives know these solutions are short-term; it’s the long-term health of our NHS that needs careful consideration.
So what is the prognosis for our recovering patient? You will hear from Labour that the challenges faced in health are the fault of the current Government. Yet it is clear to all clinicians that a bigger problem is afoot. An increasing number of frail elderly patients, rising rates of obesity and greater demand is placing massive strain upon a dedicated workforce.
Then consider that the English NHS is run by a coalition, the Welsh NHS by Labour and the Scottish by the SNP and all are missing targets. There is an evolving struggle facing us all.
Election 2015
Why GPs should vote Conservative
Why GPs should spoil their ballot paper
It is because we understand the complexities of the case that we are best placed to keep driving the NHS forward. We understand the answers will come from working with clinicians. We understand that the public needs to take a more responsible role. We understand that poorly placed targets create a negative culture.
That’s why responsibility for commissioning was given to doctors. After all, who is better placed to make decisions about health and health provision then the clinicians themselves?
That’s why primary care is at the heart of the Five-Year Forward View, prioritising preventative medicine. Encouraging the public to take responsibility for their own health and well-being. An extra £1bn to improve GP premises across the country will help GPs to improve care for their patients. That’s why 40% of QOF targets were cut and put into global sum and the 48-hour target was scrapped.
ABCDE. A strong economy supports a strong NHS. Voting Conservative gives GPs the opportunity to shape their vision of our health service built and backed by steadfast economic stewardship. Your vote guarantees that the NHS will thrive, not only now, but in years to come.
Dr Luke Evans is the Conservative candidate for Birmingham Edgbaston and is a locum GP in the city
Please note that due to an editing error, the first version of this article cited the ABC check, not as Dr Evans originally wrote the ABCDE check.
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Readers' comments (28)
Vinci Ho | GP Partner17 Apr 2015 2:31pm
Son , how old are you?
No matter how 'noble' the things you tell people , it is trust and credibility matters the most as far as people are concerned . I am afraid there is a bankruptcy on these qualities in your party.....
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Anonymous | GP Partner17 Apr 2015 4:54pm
The tories are in power now and have been in power for the last 5 years with a top down reorganisation.The NHs budget is anything but stable.I do not trust these vipers to manage the NHS let alone the country.I was the original floating voter but now thanks to the way We have been treats by the tory government and the tory press.I will NEVER vote tory again.They need to die off like the public school dinosaurs they are.
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Anonymous | Practice Manager17 Apr 2015 5:43pm
Resus taught you ABC - not DE?
Disabled exposure is what any government aims to do to this profession dear colleague.
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Editor's comments
Apologies, this was an editing mistake. Please note that this article has now been amended to reference the ABCDE check, as Dr Luke Evans originally wrote, and not the ABC check originally mentioned.
Anonymous | Other healthcare professional17 Apr 2015 6:47pm
Urgh .. politico-style speak.....Spoken like a true politician - sadly -and as someone who is about to leave the NHS or surely should as the public are not keen on part time politicians - who are paid to do a full time job. Made a good start with this Jeremy will be pleased
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Jobbing Doctor | GP Partner18 Apr 2015 9:09am
Nonsense.
The NHS is on its knees thanks to Conservative neglect and zealous privatisation agenda.
This rubbish has come straight out of central office, and we must hope that this doctor does not win this very winnable seat, or we will end up with another Dan Poulter in Parliament.
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Vincenzo Pascale | Salaried GP18 Apr 2015 10:49am
I'm an Italian doctor, (since 1983) I live in Spain, I'm working in Angola just now. One thing is clear : Everywhere Conservative Parties consider NHS a business. On the other hand Progressive Parties consider that NHS, being solidary, cannot be considered a bargain. This different basis imply a different way to manage the NHS. And evidently the fallout on doctors. I went to work to Angola (with Chevron gulf oil company) after 2 years of government of PPI (ultra Spanish conservative party) that has destroyed the quality of Spanish NHS and moreover has upset quality, efficiency and compliance of doctors. So you that are voting there be careful!!! Wishes
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Anonymous | Private GP18 Apr 2015 11:25am
The conservatives in the last Thatchers government allowed purchase of council houses.Rich people enriched themselves further by buying them at throw away prices in bulk and reselling them at nassive pofits
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Anonymous | Salaried GP18 Apr 2015 12:05pm
i don't like any of the political parties but will be voting conservative.
why ? all the others offer no answers but a slow death to the NHS and General Practice. The conservatives hate the NHS and GPs and will put us out of misery the quickest. The sooner the pain is over we can then move on rather than waiting another 10 years under labour for the same fate.
Best to get it over and done with and move on.
How can I be so negative - increasing demand with zero effort to tackle it in the face of decreasing supply (money and staff), increasing trillion pound debt that has not been repaid and won't be in my lifetime, a deficit that may come down in 5 years and worse cuts to come. NHS viable - you are having a laugh.
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Anonymous | GP Partner18 Apr 2015 6:03pm
Will hold my nose and vote for the party least likely to bankrupt the country, which means Tory.
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Vinci Ho | GP Partner18 Apr 2015 6:33pm
Ultravox had a hit song called 'Dancing with tears in my eyes': I am not going to vote for Tories again!
Cast a blank(none of the above). At least I can still just recognise my reflection in my mirror .....
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